‘Wonderfully unspoilt’ seaside town in Devon is one of the UK’s best hidden gems
Devon is renowned for its spectacular Jurassic coastline, historic towns, and quaint seaside villages, making it a popular staycation spot. However, with a 57% rise in people searching for ‘hidden gems’ on Google in the last month, more people are looking to visit lesser-known spots.
One of Devon’s best-kept secrets is Budleigh Salterton, a charming seaside town just a 20-minute drive from the busy tourist destination of Sidmouth.
“People often miss out on a visit to Budleigh Salterton because it is nestled between more popular destinations like Exmouth and Sidmouth which draw big crowds on a nice day,” said Alex Gwillim, a local expert from Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays.
“Budleigh Salterton is a real hidden gem, boasting a beautiful pebble beach that stretches over two miles, the iconic red sandstone cliffs of the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic coast, and a small town filled with unique local businesses to explore,” she adds.
While the town may be small, with a population of around 7,000, Budleigh Salterton’s huge beach and lack of busy crowds give this charming seaside spot a real community feel, perfect for a family trip. As one Trip Advisor reviewer puts it, “Great scenery, friendly community, always clean, and great for the family,” and another adds that it is “wonderfully unspoilt.”
If visiting the seaside town and looking for things to do, Alex recommends that “adventure seekers can take advantage of Budleigh Salterton’s excellent selection of water sports, where you can rent a standup paddleboard or kayak and explore the Jurassic coastline by sea. For those who enjoy a slower pace of life, you can stroll the beach, bathe in the sea, and enjoy the local cafes and tea rooms.”
“Budleigh Salterton is also the perfect spot for nature lovers. Head along the beach towards the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve, a popular spot for bird watching. There are also easy walking trails with fantastic views of the Triassic sandstone cliffs and their fascinating geology.”
Looking for somewhere to stay, Alex shares that, “there are plenty of options for accommodation in Budleigh Salterton from cosy cottages, B&Bs and hotels. And because the town isn’t too big, everything is easily accessible, and the beach is right on your doorstep.”
Budleigh Salterton’s beach is one of the Top 10 Beaches in the South West, according to The Times and Sunday Times. Also, its waters were rated “Excellent” in the Gov.UK Bathing Water Classifications 2024, making it ideal for swimming and water sports.